Inbox: What Are They Smoking?

From the beginnings of the Oregon Cannabis Tax Act, I have
wondered why its proponents thought the already existing,
years-in-the-making, brilliantly successful black market in cannabis
would just go away [“Mari-Wanna?,” WW, Aug. 29, 2012].

Why
does anyone think the literally thousands of existing growers would
stand in line to sell their pot to the Oregon Cannabis Commission at a
price controlled by the commission? These growers have been used to
selling pot for about $200 to $240 per ounce to medical patients and
thousands of non-medical smokers, too.

What is there about
the law of supply and demand that the proposed commissioners do not
understand? It is idealistic nonsense to think the commission can
control the price of pot as it is bought and sold in Oregon. A price of
$50 per ounce has been bandied about if this measure becomes law;
$50-per-ounce pot will never happen!

—“Don DuPay”

The whole thing is moot as long as marijuana remains a
Schedule 1 drug to the Drug Enforcement Administration.... Much as I
love him, President Obama and his minions seem to just love prosecuting
users and growers. Sorry, federal law always trumps. People who think
state-level legalization is going to make them safe have been smoking
too much of their favorite plant.

—“Rick York”

EVALUATING SMITH’S RECORD

The organization Jefferson Smith founded, Busproject.org,
has registered over [70,000] new voters and counting [“Cracked
Rearview,” WW, Aug. 29, 2012]. When he says “a passive system
will never take the place of voter education or voter registration
drives,” those aren’t empty words—it’s something he’s dedicated
considerable time and energy to.

It’s very surprising
to me that the article would fail to mention this notable accomplishment
directly related to voter registration.

—“Robin”

I like Jefferson Smith, but there is a growing body of
evidence that says he isn’t ready to be mayor. There is a real question
of maturity. I am deeply troubled at the way he has continually blown
off his responsibilities. Sure, we’ve all let a parking ticket slide,
but there is a reckless disregard to the way Smith has handled his
driving citations. It speaks to his character. I don’t think he is a bad
person because he is a bad driver. I think he is arrogant because he
doesn’t have to play by the same rules as the rest of Portland.

—“Dale”

SELLING OUT TO WALMART

I get it. You got a pile of cash when [Walmart] bought your company [“Value Shopping,” WW,
Aug. 29, 2012]. But at least don’t insult our intelligence with
meaningless marketing-speak about “believing in the brand.” Portland can
do much, much better than Walmart.

—“Buckman Res”

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR must include the author’s street address and phone number for verification. Letters must be 250 or fewer words. Submit to: 2220 NW Quimby St., Portland, OR 97210. Fax: (503) 243-1115, Email: mzusman@wweek.com

"In the low usage areas, we found that our vehicles sit idle four times longer, ultimately affecting overall vehicle availability for the Portland membership base, as well as parking for the Portland community."

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